Brendan Rodgers confirmed yesterday that Kieran Tierney will return to Celtic in the summer having agreed a pre-contract to rejoin his boyhood club.
Speaking to the media ahead of Celtic’s Champions League fixture with Aston Villa, Rodgers said: “Ideally it [Kieran returning] would [happen in January] but, at this moment, he’s still an Arsenal player.
“I think everyone is agreed that it will definitely take place in the summer. If we can do it beforehand, then great.”
Confirmation of Tierney’s return to Celtic has generated significant excitement among supporters, and for good reason. When he rejoins from Arsenal and if he maintains his fitness, Tierney would bring a wealth of talent, experience, and added leadership to the team.
Tierney is renowned for his defensive quality. His ability to read the game, make crucial tackles, and provide consistent coverage on the left flank would significantly bolster Celtic’s backline. Moreover, his versatility allows him to operate both as a traditional left-back and as part of a back three, offering tactical flexibility to Brendan Rodgers.
Beyond his defensive duties, Tierney is adept at contributing to the attack. His overlapping runs, precise crosses, and occasional goal-scoring ability can also add an extra dimension to Celtic’s attacking play. His partnership with players such as Jota and Daizen Maeda could create numerous opportunities for the forward line and stretch opposition defences.
He will return to Celtic having played in the Premier League with Arsenal, La Liga with Real Sociedad and at the highest levels in European competition with both clubs.
A product of Celtic’s youth system, Tierney’s deep-rooted connection to the club is evident. Without this, it is hard to imagine a player of his quality returning to Scotland at this stage of his career especially with interest from Bundesliga and Serie A clubs.
While Tierney’s talent is undeniable, his career has at times been marred by injuries. Ensuring he remains fit will be crucial. Extending the contract of Greg Taylor would be a smart move from Celtic even with the return of Tierney as he has shown to be a more than dependable left back in his own right who could push Tierney and deputise if he was unavailable.
There is no doubt that the decision if Brendan Rodgers to bring Tierney back is a sensible one. A fit and firing Kieran Tierney would be a monumental asset to Celtic.
Added to the return of Jota – who shone under the management of Ange Postecoglou at Celtic in the past – it is an exciting time for Celtic fans especially with knockout Champions League football on the horizon and a domestic treble still in reach too.
Featured image: “Kieran Tierney” by Graham`s pics is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Callum McFadden 